MISAFF16 Red Carpet Event

Did you miss out on this years’ Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival? Don’t worry I got you covered!

The red carpet gala was a star-studded event! With various actors, actresses and filmmakers.

Photo Courtesy: Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias, c/o MISAFF

I had a chance to speak with them and find out why they say MISAFF is an important event.Varun Saranga, the MISAFF16 Star was first on the red carpet. Saranga tells us, “I think it’s important for us to connect to our film culture primarily because what we are exposed to here is main stream Bollywood films. Now this is the opportunity to see independent, really deep storytelling from the South Asian community.”

Next on the red carpet were Hansal Mehta and Rajkumar Rao. Mehta is the director of Aligarh, the opening film. Rajkumar Rao is the co-star of the film.

Photo Courtesy: Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias, c/o MISAFF

Mehta said, “It’s important because South Asian films, especially Indian films are serial Bollywood song and dance films. Festivals like MISAFF give platforms to the diversity of Indian films.”

Of course, we cannot forget about Arshad Khan and Anya Mckenzie, the festival directors.

Photo Courtesy: Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias, c/o MISAFF

“We really thought there is not enough access for the audiences of the South Asian community in Mississauga, to these wonderful stories, and these wonderful films. So we thought this has to happen here,” said Anya Mckenzie.

I also wanted to know what they look forward to the most every year.

“For this year, there are a few things that are my favourite. I’m always excited that we have film directors coming from all over the world. But specially that we have such an important film as our opening night film, we have Aligarh and the director and actor are here, I think that is very special. Also, Marina Khan is coming, a Pakistani actress who I’ve always loved since I was a child. And also we have the Zeal for Unity films, which are a great initiative, bringing India and Pakistan together,” said Khan.

Photo Courtesy: Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias, c/o MISAFF

If you missed out on this years’ festival make sure to come out next year, catch some stars, watch some movies, and support independent South Asian Films!